4 Risky Flossing Mistakes to Avoid (and Smart Solutions)

No doubt, your parents told you time and again to brush and floss your teeth growing up, but many people haven’t taken that advice. In fact, recent studies show that one in five people are not brushing as often as they should, and other research shows that 47% of people only floss weekly and 58% don’t do it at all.

People are more likely to brush than floss, not understanding how essential it is to do both. To help make things easier, let’s examine the importance of flossing, the things you should avoid while doing it, and the best flossing habits to observe. 

If you live in Mamaroneck, New York, or Stamford, Connecticut, and have questions about oral hygiene or other dental issues, Dr. Gennadiy Kravets and our team at All Bright Dental can help you improve your dental health.

Why flossing is essential

Simply put, brushing can’t reach all areas of your teeth. Of the five surfaces on your teeth, your toothbrush will only be able to reach three. Flossing is an effective method for reaching the other two and allows you to clean as much of your teeth as possible at home.

Mistakes you need to avoid

Our team wants to ensure you avoid these mistakes:

1. Flossing too hard

Getting between the teeth to remove particles is essential, but flossing too hard can lead to bleeding and damage your gums.

2. Snapping the floss

Pulling floss in far enough to the point where it snaps can cause bleeding and gum damage.

3. Not flossing below the gumline

If there are particles below the gumline, you need to remove them. Ensure you get below the gumline without damaging the tissue. 

4. Stopping too early

This means moving too quickly while flossing or stopping if you notice minor bleeding. Sometimes, especially if you are flossing for the first time in a while, bleeding could be an indication of plaque buildup or gum inflammation.

Proper flossing methods

Follow these steps to floss properly:

• Choose the correct floss: It can be difficult to get between teeth without breaking or snagging floss, so use floss that suits your needs. If you don’t know which to use, ask our team at All Bright Dental.
• Give yourself enough floss to do the job: You need at least 18 inches of floss to wrap around your fingers.
• Use an optimal flossing technique: Glide the floss gently in a saw-like motion up and down while angling it in a C shape around your tooth.
• Get between all of your teeth: Work around your mouth until all teeth have been cleaned, and be sure to use clean floss between each tooth.

Using a fresh section of floss between each tooth helps keep bacteria from spreading to other parts of your mouth. Use fresh floss each time, and be sure to brush and rinse as well. 

Brushing and flossing are essential to your dental health, and doing them regularly will make your mouth and our dental team happy. For advice on keeping your teeth healthy and other dental needs, make an appointment with Dr. Kravets and All Bright Dental today.